Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Cryer Excerpts

Thursday 22nd March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vaizey]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I was privileged to visit Aardman’s headquarters. I gather that it has just held the premiere of “The Pirates!”, its new film. Those in the House with young children may want to go and see it. He is right that the proposal is about keeping talent in this country.

[John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

7. Whether he plans to submit evidence to the Leveson inquiry on culture, practice and ethics of the press.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey)]

Following a request from the inquiry, the Secretary of State will submit evidence as part of the elegantly named “module 3”, which is considering the relationship between the press and politicians. In addition, my Department is working constructively with the Leveson inquiry by providing background information where possible.

[John Cryer]

In that evidence, will the Minister at least say that the replacement for the Press Complaints Commission should be politically independent and independent of what used to be Fleet street?

[Mr Vaizey]

As is well known, the desire is to see independent self-regulation that is independent of the press and independent of the Government.